NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL
REPORT
Partnership
From: Housing & Social Work Services Strathclyde Police Strathclyde Fire & Rescue
I Date: 30/04/08 I Ref:
1. Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this report is to update members of the Motherwell and District Partnership regarding the current joint work which is taking place between the Anti Social Task Force, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue in the Motherwell and District area. The report also provides the partnership with statistical information in respect of the three partners.
2. Background
2.1 The Local Area Partnership has previously been presented with three separate reports from the Anti-social Task Force, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire & Rescue which have highlighted the work which each agency and service have been involved in, relative to community safety within the Motherwell& district area.
2.2 This new joined up report is the first of future proposed reports which will clearly show the work which is being undertaken jointly to address issues of community safety within neighbourhoods and to highlight the robust partnership approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and issues of community safety.
2.3 The report is laid out by ward and neighbourhood and the previously reported statistics will be contained within the appendices at the end of the report. Appendix 1 - 4 shows the statistics for this reporting period for the Anti-social Task Force, Appendix 5 Strathclyde Police and Appendix 6 Strathclyde Fire & Rescue.
2.4 The Scottish Government has recently advised Scottish Local Authorities and their partners to produce partnership strategic assessments under the principles of the business model known as the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and has issued guidance in this regard. The NIM is currently used by all UK Police Forces and all Local Authorities in England and Wales (a statutory requirement) and can be applied beyond crime and antisocial behaviour to deliver more effective community safety and partnership working this report reflects the move towards that way of working.
3. Current Activityllssues
3.1 WARD 16 - MOTHERWELL WEST
3.1.1 Forgewood
3.1.2 Two disclosures have been received by the Anti-Social Task Force from the Police regarding individuals racially abusing the staff of Curry Express, Kylemore Crescent. Both youths aged 16 years interviewed in presence of their parents and admitted this behaviour. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were signed by both youths. The verbal abuse was towards former owners of Curry Express. The new owners who are of Indian descent have been visited and report no racial abuse.
3.1.3 From Police perspective there are still instances throughout the estate of youth disorder which continue to be the main cause of concern for local residents. During the reporting period two youths were arrested for possession of a knife in Fife Drive. Low level crimes such as vandalism are common place and the local shops are identified as a ‘hot spot’ area for youths congregating and causing annoyance. Proactive use of the CCTV system, the deployment of Strathclyde Police video camera within problem premises has enabled officers to identify repeat offenders. Robust policing of these individuals together with other evidence has enabled the police to report the offenders to the Procurator Fiscal and Antisocial Task Force which resulted in the action detailed above.
3.1.4 Columba Crescent area - Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have not attended a large number of incidents in this area however concern has been expressed about what they have been exposed to when attending calls in this area.
3.1.5 There has been a large amount of used hypodermic syringes and needles located in the stairwells and communal areas of some of the flats. Also Human blood and excrement has been found in these areas with Fire fighters personal protective equipment requiring to be sent for specialist cleaning after exposure to these. All partners are working together with residents groups in the area to find a solution to this issue.
3.2 WARD 16 - MOTHERWELL WEST
3.2.1 North Motherwell
3.2.2 Youth problems at King Court, North Motherwell have been reported to the ASTF and are currently being investigated. Problems include vandalism to cars, fencing and verbal abuse. The youths involved are aged between 14 - 16 years and believed to reside in the North Motherwell area. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the youths involved.
3.2.3 Strathclyde Country Park - Drugs use. Individuals continue to engage in taking drugs, mainly in cars parked in the park and the majority of those caught in possession are for cannabis.
3.2.4 Promiscuous Sexual Activity - Individuals meet to engage in promiscuous sexual activity. Reports on this type of activity in Strathclyde Park has dropped but seasonal factors such as poor weather and dark evenings may have contributed towards fewer cases coming to Police attention. However we cannot become complacent with the situation being continually monitored and appropriate action taken. Such action in the past has been successful in highlighting lower level criminality with persons being subject to reports to the Procurator Fiscal accordingly prior to any escalation to violent crimes such as those earlier. During the reporting period one male was arrested for public indecency and resisting arrest in this area.
Officers from Strathclyde Police Community Safety Department have been proactive in educating park users through addressing meetings of all relevant groups and providing relevant crime prevention information and advice.
3.2.5 Strathclyde Country ParldWatling Street - Quad/Scramble bikes. The local Community Police Officer for the Park area continues to hold regular meetings with North Lanarkshire Scramble and Quad Biking Association.
3.2.6 General Youth Disorder - Instances throughout the estate. Overall, during the period covered by this report, there has been a general levelling of instances of youth related disorder in the North Motherwell area. 3.3 WARD 17 - MOTHERWELL NORTH
3.3.1 Jerviston
3.3.2 This has continued to enjoy a more settled period. An ASTF Leaflet drop has been carried out in Montalto Avenue and Linksview Road at the request of the tenant and Residents Association during the last reporting period.
3.3.3 From a Police perspective the Jerviston area continues to represent a challenge to local officers within this ward. During the period, incidents of disorder have continued, however, robust policing has addressed this issue head on, including a significant numbers of high profile pro active patrols in the area, and the use of the CCTV system. There continues to be some general youth disorder with the potential of more serious crime involving local opposing factions. High visibility policing has been utilised to assist public reassurance and enquiries in respect of many of the offences have resulted in persons being charged.
3.4 WARD 17 - MOTHERWELL NORTH
3.4.1 Newarthill
3.4.2 Two ASBO's were granted in December 07 in respect of two individuals who harassed local shopkeepers in Newarthill. AS60 recipients are excluded from entering designated shops as well as shouting, swearing uttering threats, verbal abuse, street drinking or carrying offensive weapons. They would walk into shops, steal quantities of alcohol and verbally abuse staff. Should they enter the premises or abuse staff the Police have a power of arrest available. One of these individuals has since breached conditions of his AS60 and was arrested. Trial pending.
3.4.3 Legal Services have prepared an Initial Writ on behalf of a 3rd individual whilst a further case is being prepared in respect of a 4'h individual by the ASTF. These applications will seek to impose similar restrict ions.
3.4.4 The area surrounding Ledi Path, Newarthill, including local the licensed premises at Martin Place, have been a focus for local youths, who have been responsible for a number of vandalisms to unoccupied NLC properties. The area generally has benefited from a number of proactive policing measures including high profile foot patrols in the area of Martin Place and Ledi Path. The mobile CCTV unit has also been utilised to good effect in off sales premises at Martin Place.
3.5 WARD 17 - MOTHERWELL NORTH
3.5.1 Carfin
3.5.2 Two disclosures were received regarding two individuals responsible for vandalism. One has received an AS60 interview and is being monitored at present. A tenancy warning was issued against his mother's tenancy. The second individual is detained within Polmont YOI.
3.6 WARD 18 - MOTHERWELL SOUTH EAST AND RAVENSCRAIG
3.6.1 Muirhouse
3.6.2 Safer North Lanarkshire continues within this Ward area. Intelligence led High Profile Policing, coupled with the Communities Against Alcohol Fuelled Violence strategy. 3.6.3 From an ASTF perspective Legal Services have prepared an action and lodged the same at court for a prominent offender in Muirhouse, Motherwell. This action includes exclusion from the shops in Muirhouse Road.
3.6.4 Youth Disorder - Ongoing issues with youth disorder and street drinking. As in other areas, local shops are the focal point for youths congregating and causing acts of antisocial behaviour. Robust policing of the area and close working with the Antisocial Task Force has identified a number of repeat offenders who have since been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as well as applications for ASBO's being forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
3.6.4 Gang Fighting / Youth Disorder - Members of local youth gangs have been identified and all avenues available to the Police are being utilised to tackle the associated problems (see beI o w u nd e r C ra igne u k) .
3.6.5 Diversionary Activity - Inter agency meetings have taken place with local youths that have been identified as being involved in antisocial behaviour. Parent alert letter leaflets outlining parental alert scheme have been given to groups in the area.
3.6.6 Strathclyde Fire & Rescue have been working with Housing & Social Work Services to resolve an ongoing problem with malicious fire raising within Dalziel Tower. There have been ten calls to this building since January 2008 and partners have been working together to try and identify the culprit and advice people on fire safety in multi-storey buildings.
3.7 WARD 18 - MOTHERWELL SOUTH EAST AND RAVENSCRAIG
3.7.1 Craigneuk
3.7.2 A 2"d ASBO was granted in respect of a member of the Craigneuk gang called 'The evil young Neuk'. The order contains a disassociation clause which prohibits the individual being involved in a group of 3 or more persons. The Area Housing Office has noted a considerable improvement in the area. The Police, Anti Social Task Force and the Area Housing Office continue to hold monthly meetings where information is shared and situation monitored.
3.7.3 Various Partnership initiatives have begun to impact upon the area although there are still some problems as identified.
3.7.4 The area experiences typical criminal issues expected of a deprived area. The predominant trend is currently youth anti-social behaviour manifesting itself in vandalism, disorder, drunkenness, drug misuse and violence. Youth disorder is particularly prevalent in the area with the following areas of particular note.
Shieldmuir Station - This is a Strathclyde Passenger Transport station on the main line to Glasgow. It is unmanned but has good CCTV coverage. It is the responsibility of British Transport Police and causes no problems in its own right however, due to the presence of a footbridge linking the Muirhouse area with Craigneuk; it has become the focal point for youth disorder involving gang fighting between the two factions. This is cyclical but can result in mass disorder and vandalism to the immediate area, which causes distress to the mainly elderly residents.
The number of proactive measures undertaken appears to be having the desired effect as incidents of disorder have been reduced to a minimal level. The following actions will continue to be taken to maintain this situation:
0 Schools visits have been undertaken in both areas to highlight the dangers of gang-fighting and warn those involved of the consequences. 0 Individuals involved have been identified, arrested and reported to the Criminal Justice system. 0 Partners continue to work together to devise various interventions that will impact on the problem. 0 Intelligence-led, targeted patrols continue in the area. 0 Sharing of information between the Police and Housing has led to joint visits. 0 A total of 18 parental alert letters have been sent out in respect of juveniles stopped at this location. 0 BTP CCTV within Shieldmuir Station utilised to monitor areas either side of the bridge and BTP also providing high visibility patrol in area of the station.
3.7.5 Flaxmill AvenuelGlencairn Avenue - This area suffers from general antisocial behavior caused by a number of youths who are known to the Police. In particular the lane connecting Glencairn Avenue to Glenclelland Road is problematic in terms of youths congregating, drinking and causing general disorder ranging from low-level antisocial behaviour to serious violence. Discussions are currently ongoing with a view to environmental improvements that will assist in securing a reduction in antisocial behaviour. Alternative measures such as antisocial behaviour orders have been secured with a view to disrupting youth gang activity.
3.7.6 Gateside Road - This is one of the longest streets in Craigneuk and is the source of numerous complaints, the majority of which concern youth disorder. The Police have been required to attend an excessive amount of calls mostly relating to vandalism and verbal harassment. The core group of offenders has been identified and joint housing / police visits have taken place, which has resulted in a reduction of incidents.
3.7.7 Problem Solving - A multi-agency approach is being adopted in relation to recurring problems in the area. Meetings involving key partners continue to develop joint problem- solving approaches.
3.7.8 Gang Fighting / Youth Disorder - Members of local youth gangs have been identified and all avenues available to the police are being utilised to tackle the associated problems. This also involves co-ordinated action with partners, which has included joint visits by Housing, Police and Anti-social Task Force. The Police and their partners are currently reviewing recent incidents in Craigneuk relating to violence and antisocial behaviour with a view to compiling a community impact assessment, identifying the persistent individuals who are causing recurring problems and reporting offenders to the Procurator Fiscal. Joint warnings with the police and housing continue to have a positive impact with a number of householders being warned regarding the antisocial activity in the area
3.8 WARD 18 - MOTHERWELL SOUTH EAST AND RAVENSCRAIG
3.8.1 Wishawhill
3.8.2 Wishawhill over the past few weeks has experienced some youth disorder and street drinking. Joint visits were carried out on 8 identified perpetrators. All were under 16 years of age and were interviewed in the presence of their parents. The parents accepted responsibility for the actions of their children and agreed with the contents of their Breach of Tenancy warnings. No further reports of youth disorder have been received.
3.8.3 Heathery Park/ Sidlaw Drive - Although there is not the same number of incidents of youth disorder in the Wishawhill area, a perpetual complaint exists in relation to the use of trail and quad bikes in Sidlaw Drive and Heathery Park. A number have been seized and the offenders have been charged with road traffic related offences.
3.9 WARD 18 - MOTHERWELL SOUTH EAST AND RAVENSCRAIG
3.9.1 Motherwell Town Centre. 3.9.2 After 2 year ASBO granted against an individual who threatened North Lanarkshire Council staff and mis-used emergency services his tenancy was reduced to a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy.
3.9.3 Disorder in the area of local night clubs - Increased police activity in relation to disorder in and around nightclubs. The regular weekend action plan which utilises local officers as well as supplementary officers from other departments concentrates on this problem area with increased high visibility police visits to licensed premises to increase public reassurance and crime prevention.
3.10 WARD 18 - MOTHERWELL SOUTH EAST AND RAVENSCRAIG
3.10.1 Knowetop
3.10.2 In general this area has a low crime rate. The source of most complaints is youth disorder including the following areas.
3.10.3 North Lodge Avenue and its surrounding streets. Baron’s Haugh Bird Sanctuary - Historically in the summer months the sanctuary becomes a popular meeting place for local youths. The bird hides situated on the water are regularly abused by youths using them as a drinking den. The number of youths congregating has at times reached 40. It is a seasonal problem as the Baron’s Haugh area has been quiet during the winter months. On most occasions it is the volume of youths that cause complaints rather than individual acts of disorder or vandalism. It is proposed that an action plan is put in place in the spring of 2008.
3.10.4 The area generally has benefited from a number of proactive policing measures including high profile foot patrols in the area. Members of local youth gangs are being identified and all avenues available to the police are being utilised to tackle the associated problems. Local action plans within all areas of this ward have been established and have been successful in both detecting offenders and filling intelligence gaps. These action plans are constantly reviewed and adjusted accordingly.
4. Recommendation
It is recommended that members of the Local Area Partnership note the contents of this report
North Lanarkshire Council - Housing & Social Work Services Strathclyde Police Strathclyde Fire & Rescue 30 April 2008 7o I
60 k-- __ i I - so i j. NO!SE I I , P GANG I 17 RACIAL
I U HARASSMENT , S CHILDREN I
~ E VIOLENCE I I 0 DRUGS I .OTHER ~
2 ~ i -1 14 I I
8 0 i 4 1 ~- . 2o I 18 1
~- 16 ~- - ' IB I st Warning 1 Final Warning 14 - ,ElNOP UASBO Int ASBO l2 1 W Interim ASBO 10 II- I Eviction cl Post IKP 8j m UBM 6 la ABA , OSSST 4
2
0 -- Motherwell West Niolherwell North Motherwell South Fast & Ravenscraig I .. ~ I 1111 1 st Warning 6 13 19 1Final Warning 0 3 6 NO? a - e 7 4 UASBOInt I L--- - , 7 58 1 I ~ I laASBO 0 I 0 0 'IIInterim ASBO .-0 0 0 c-i--.-- -I ~- ~ ~- i =Eviction t 0 0 t I 'UPost NOP 0 0 0 r 0 0 0 i I 3 1 0 0 i 0 9 0 0 Ward 17 - Motherwell North To
Motherwell Area Total 0 1 4 4 0 1 1 0 2 13 Appendix 4 - Statistical Report on Support Cases from April 2007 to March 2008
Motherwell West -Ward 16
SUPPORT REFERRALS APRIL 07 TO MARCH 08 Referral Source IASTF I G
1 Elected Members
'Emotional & Practical 6 I Outcomes Achieved Better Informed 5 Reduced Stress Level
Safer Homes
Total Referrals to date I 6
I Motherwell North -Ward 17 1
I SUPPORT REFERRALS APRIL 07 TO MARCH 08 I
ASTF 6
Elected Members I 0 Support Accepted Emotional I 0 Emotional & Practical I 6 Outcomes Achieved Better Informed 5 Reduced Stress Level 3 Addressed Own Behaviour 0
~ Other Agencies referred to Safer Homes I 4 I Community Police I 1 Total Referrals to date 6
~ Motherwell South East 8 Ravenscraig SUPPORT REFERRALS APRIL 07 TO MARCH 08 Referral Source ASTF I 8 Area Housing 0
Outcomes Achieved
Safer Homes 6 Community Police 2 Total Referrals to date 8 Appendix 5
Ward 16: Motherwell West: (NE Beat 53/54/551
Community Police Officerls
Name/ Shoulder No: PC Craig Rowan N702 (Strathclvde Park & Ladwell) PC Rob Brown N773 (Forgewood) PC Kenny Smith N708 (North Motherwell) PC Barbara Forsyth N343 (North Motherwell)
Incidents of note/ Noteworthy Arrests:
Beat 53: 2 local youths aged 14 yrs and 19 yrs were arrested for possession of a knife near to Fife Drive, Motherwell. Beat 54: Recent anti violence patrols have utilised Special Constables to good effect, and resulted in a number of licensed premises visits and stop searches. Beat 55: 44 yr old male arrested for public indecency (masturbate in public view ) and I resistina arrest. within car Dark near ’to M&D”s amusements. Strathclvde Park. .I
Ward 17 : Motherwell North: (Beat NE 52 &ND 79/81.)
Community Police Officerls
Name/ Shoulder No: PC Stuart Chalmers (Jerviston ) PC Garv Thomson (New Stevenston 1 PC John MacLeod (Newarthill) PC Kenny MacRoberts (Newarthill)
Incidents of note/ Noteworthy Arrests:
Beat 52: Bail conditions obtained for known offender from Jerviston area, he was subsequently arrested for breaching his bail. 38 yr old male arrested for Rape, subsequently liberated on bail with conditions prohibiting him entering certain streets in the Jerviston area. Beat 79: 30 year old male arrested for assault with intent to rob ,victim being an 81 yr old male. Beat 81. 2 x 14 yr old and 2 x 15 yr old males arrested for breaking into a garden shed in the Newarthill area. Ward 18: Motherwell South East & Ravenscraia. (Beat 51/56/57158/59)
Name/ Shoulder No: PC Alastair Gillies (Motherwell Town Centre) PC Steven Hatfield (North Lodge/Knowetop)
Incidents of note/ Noteworthy Arrests
Beat 51: ASBO obtained against 33 yr old male prohibiting him from consuming alcohol within public place, subsequently arrested for street drinking in Motherwell Town Centre. Beat 56: Nothing of note Beat 57 :Nothing of note Beat 58: 2 x 14 yr old males arrested in possession of offensive weapons (metal bar & wooden baton) on Muirhouse Avenue, Motherwell. 18 Parental Alert Letters submitted. Beat 59 : 31 yr old male arrested on Overjohnstone Drive, Craigneuk in possession of a knife. 33 yr old male arrested for stealing charity tin and contents from reception area of A & E, MotherwellGeneral Hospital. Beat 59 : Interim ASBO secured in relation to 18 yr old male prohibiting him from acts of Anti Social Behaviour in the Craigneuk area.. Strathclyde Police - Issues Relatina to All Wards
Contest Stratenv Strathclvde Police continues to work with key partner agencies, government departments, emergeky services, voluntary organisations and businesses to tackle issues relating to Terrorism, and Extremism. This is known as the Contest Strategy, and has four main strands of activity.
Prevention: Prevention by means of tackling route causes of terrorism. Supporting Moderate Islam and reforms to diminish support for terrorists and reach those individuals who may feel alienated or persecuted.
Pursue: Those who commit acts of terrorism, and those who support them. Improving understanding of terrorist networks, tracking and disruption, and bringing them to justice.
Protect: Public protection and the protection of UK interests remain important. By making better use of protective security, efforts can be enhanced to reduce the opportunities for targets.
Prepare: Sound preparation for the consequences of a potential terrorist attack, with a multi agency approach to deal with future attacks.
Divisional Control Stratenv NE Sub-Division continues to deliver the Divisional Control Strategy, with Disorder, Drugs and Violence, being high priorities along with Child Protection, Terrorism and Serious/Organised Crime. We continue to seek involvement from partners and the local community to positively impact on community concerns. (See appendix 1).
Divisional Crime Reduction Stratenv
Policing North Lanarkshire presents a real challenge to the division and our partner agencies. We have finite resources yet demand for policing services continues to rise. In response to these demands we implemented a significant change programme that has seen us strive towards greater efficiency, increase our effectiveness and demonstrate ‘best value’ in all of our business areas.
The development of Problem Solving Coordination Units (PSCU’s), the introduction of the Variable Shift Agreement (VSA) and current review of Divisional Headquarters functions have been implemented to fully support frontline service delivery. However, one area that still requires review is crime reduction.
Crime reduction is a key component to our overall operational capability and will be more coordinated to compliment and support our intelligence and enforcement priorities. Crime reduction is a core business area and will be included in the fortnightly Tactical Assessment and be subject to the rigours of the Tasking and Coordination Group (T&CG) process and performance measures.
This Crime Reduction Strategy (CRS) will follow the policing priorities identified in the Divisional Control Strategy and will therefore be the subject of an annual review.
Police- Divisional Patrol Policy
This Patrol Policy brings together various strands which support delivery of operational policing, through the risk assessed patrol plan.
A patrol plan is an operational tool used by the Force to determine the number of resources required for each core group shift period. The principle of patrol planning is to determine the number and distribution of police resources required to meet policing objectives. This is achieved through the use of historical data in relation to customer demand and through the analysis of projected impact factors affecting policing. Patrol plans provide a risk assessment of policing requirements.
For the purposes of patrol planning, the average work of a patrol officer, over a one-hour period, is divided into three areas. Once analysis takes place of the amount of time an officer spends carrying out each of these functions, the combination of this performance factor and the demand profile will determine the number of resources that should be deployed.
Reactive - Answering calls requesting the service of the police. Proactive - Directed patrol in line with tasking and co-ordinating. Administrative General administration, training, court, enquiries etc
Officers on patrol in ‘N’ division will treat people as they themselves would expect to be treated.
Police-Active Citizenship We will continue to deliver the Citizenship and the Law Programme in local schools, which aims to develop young people as active citizens and encourage them to take pride in their communities. Other inputs to schools were aimed at discussing, with a view to reducing, disorder and violence.
NE1 Sub-Division has a Schools Presentation Officer in position that will provide inputs to all schools in the area.
Antisocial Behaviour Joint working involving the Police, housing providers and NLC Anti-social Task Force has continued in an effort to tackle recurring antisocial behaviour problems. This includes sharing of information, joint visits to problem tenancies and instigating effective enforcement techniques. There are still areas where better information-sharing could occur and these will be explored through the creation of appropriate protocols.
Careers Scotland Employment Initiative Strathclyde Police in partnership with Careers Scotland are offering young offenders the chance to enter a programme of training for worWfurther education/employment in an effort to deter repeat offending. The findings of this programme have been encouraging and a new referral card to initiate the process, has been delivered by the Careers Scotland team. The Sub Division has now referred 19 individuals since adopting the scheme.
Police, Antisocial Task Force -Careers Scotland Initiative - NE Sub Division This project involves a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, Careers Scotland and Strathclyde Police. The objectives of this project are to:
Reduce antisocial behavioudoffending behaviour. Reduce crime and fear of crime. Afford youth offenders a “life change” opportunity. Improve quality of life within local communities. Break the “too much time-turn to crime” cycle. Promote the benefits of employment, education and training.
The project allows staff to refer youths that fall within the target group and who have given their permission, to Careers Scotland, in an attempt to offer a positive direction and diversion from persistent offending.
Agreed protocols and procedures have been established between North Lanarkshire Council, Careers Scotland and Strathclyde Police along with a referral form and a small credit card to have signed when out and about. Disorder
Young people gathering, whether or not for the purpose of disorder, is a priority issue facing the Sub-Division. Some may gather without any offensive intentions but this creates a perception of disorder which results in repeated calls to the police by concerned members of the public. Others meet with the intention to commit disorder and these are the offenders that the police are currently targeting through action plans and specific patrols.
Although there are areas where disorder occurs regularly, there is potential for it to occur in all areas. Incidents can be sporadic and outwith expected patterns. Clearly, there are areas where disorder can be anticipated and steps, such as the Sub Divisional Action Plans, direct resources to areas of projected need.
Attention is given to the areas where young people congregate and concerns are highlighted to NLC if a contributory factor is the physical make up of the location such as overgrown shrubbery, poor lighting or shelter.
Sub-Divisional Action Plan
Every weekend or when needed, an action plan is instigated that seeks to address areas of disorder throughout the sub-division. Officers on patrol are specifically deployed based on local intelligence and recent incidents.
Any people who are considered to be involved in disorder, whether it be drinking in the street or breaching the peace will be charged accordingly. If on arrival of the police there is no obvious disorder then they may be searched if appropriate, moved on or other action taken. However, without public support in terms of providing statements there is often not enough evidence to charge.
The action plans are backed up by intelligence-led products, aimed at identifying and targeting specific offenders whether it is in relation to disorder, controlled drugs or other areas of criminality.
These plans are based on a tactical assessment, allied to local intelligence and are reviewed fortnightly in conjunction with the Divisional Tasking and Co-ordination process.
Enforcement
Methods of enforcement were robust, with prevention and detection of violent crime being given priority. In addition, good use was made of the recently introduced fixed penalty notice scheme.
Mutual Aid
Force resources were also utilised, and NE Sub Division made full use of available assistance via the submission of informative and structured bids to Divisional Tasking and Coordinating. Examples of this included the assistance of the Dog Branch & Road Policing departments in addressing specific issues in the area.
Again, visits to licensed premises featured strongly during this. Electronic and hard copy briefings were provided to those conducting mutual aid to ensure continuity and good working relationships.
Similarly, the Sub Division benefited from the valuable resource of Special Constables during the period, who were individually tasked via the local Safer North Lanarkshire action plans to areas of local concern. Test Purchase Scheme
This has been targeted using intelligence led policing, with the aim being to prevent the sale of alcohol to children and young persons, and to detect offences committed within off sales premises. Closely managed reference to the Force SOP in relation to Test Purchase of alcohol was undertaken, including briefing, deployment and debriefing of test purchasers and officers.
This careful reference to intelligence and preparation of operations has resulted in two off sales premises within NE Sub Division, being identified as committing offences under the Licensing Scotland Act 1976.
Further intelligence gathering continues, with the Sub Divisional EBR being a key tool in the information and tasking of officers regarding licensing offences, all of which contribute to the holistic approach to tackling alcohol related violence and youth disorder in NE Sub Division.
Parental Alert Scheme
This initiative continues across the Division, and provides intervention at an early stage to highlight to parents that their children may be congregating in known areas of disorder/ complaints via members of the public, and to address non criminal anti social behaviour before it becomes offending behaviour.
Police- ‘Safer Scotland’ Anti Violence Strateav
Violence is something which impacts on policing every day of our working lives. Each and every officer has a role to play in reducing this impact, and making Scotland a safer place for all of us.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland), together with the Scottish Government, are about to embark on a year-long anti-violence campaign under the Safer Scotland banner. This Scotland-wide campaign will be co-ordinated by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) at national level and by individual forces at local level.
Although the campaign has three strands - knives, alcohol and grouplgang-related violence, each force will have the freedom to tailor these to the needs of their individual area.. This is to ensure each force gets the maximum benefit from the campaign within the overall aim of reducing violence across Scotland.
The focus for this year’s campaign will be engaging with communities in order to tackle violence. This will be driven by linking up with Community Safety Partnerships to deliver initiatives based around Group / Gang Violence (Working with Collective Violence Campaign, 3 - 28th March 2008)
This communities-based focus, links in with our belief that violence is everybody’s problem. From the outset, the Violence Reduction Unit have stressed that the police alone cannot change Scotland’s deep-rooted culture of violence. Only by working with others - be they in the health service, education departments or communities themselves - can we begin to make significant inroads.
Communities are key to this. Too many people in too many communities accept violence as part of everyday life - they have become immune to it. We want these communities to lower their tolerance to violence, to refuse to accept it as part of everyday life, and to work with us to make Scotland a better, safer place to be. Each and every officer has a role to play in achieving this aim, be it through stop and searches, alcohol initiatives or simply through talking to ordinary people in ordinary places on a daily basis. ‘N’ Divisional Control Stratew
Violent Crime
Disorder & Anti-Social Behaviour
Child Protection
Terrorism
Drugs
Serious & Organised Crime Groups Appendix 6
STRATHCLYDE FIRE & RESCUE
INITIATIVES
A brief description of the current initiatives involving Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are detailed below. This information was provided by the Community Safety (education) department who, as previously stated, are the main link for Community safety between ourselves and the various partners.
All events from January 2008
I. ‘Score-Goals’
Score Goals is an education based programme co-ordinated by Strathclyde Police with partner agencies including SFR. It runs three times a year at 4 venues throughout North Lanarkshire.
Pupils from schools within the local area are invited onto the IOweek project with pupils chosen by teaching staff as individuals who have deviated from mainstream provision. The ten week course included inputs from various partner agencies with football coaching from either Clyde FC, Albion Rovers FC, Motherwell FC or Airdrie FC following each session.
Some of the Aims of the project are described below -
0 To install discipline, self-respect, social and behavioural skills, where candidates arrive as individuals but leave as a valued member of ‘team’. 0 To break down barriers which may have existed in the community. 0 Development of positive relations with other partner agencies.
The overall aim is to re-direct pupils back on track into mainstream education and assist the schools in saving pupils from further deviation.
2. ‘Cut It Out’
Pre driver educational two-hour inputs held at 24 of the 25 North Lanarkshire High Schools. Inputs are given to S6 pupils which are scenario based. This programme of young driver education is complete and arrangements are being made for further input in June 2008.
3. ‘Fire Reach’
Purpose of the course
The purpose of Fire Reach is to provide training and development opportunities to young people in North Lanarkshire, principally through Fire & Rescue activities. It will encourage them to make the most of their physical and mental capabilities and to become more responsible, caring members of their communities. The scheme should also raise the young people’s awareness of the role of the Fire Service and other linked agencies within their communities.
Aim of the course
The following points highlight the main aims and objectives that we hope to achieve by operating this programme: 0 To target 13 - 17 year olds Develop physical and mental capabilities 0 Become members or leaders of a team 0 Improve self-discipline 0 Improve confidence and communication skills 0 Develop a knowledge and awareness of their community 0 Improve safety knowledge and concerning the workplace and home 0 Develop an understanding about the contribution that the Fire Service and other agencies make to society 0 Provide an opportunity to undertake basic First Aid skills Reduce levels of anti-social behaviour and disorder related offences 0 To deliver a clear community safety message
Course content
The course is committed to improving the life chances of every young person who attends by using the positive role model of the Firefighter, coupled with the neutral status of the Fire Service within society today. One of the main aims of the course is to try and change attitudes and perceptions of young people by showing them life skills and responsibilities. This is achieved by providing a basic ‘work experience programme’ including the essential elements of First Aid, use of operational equipment such as hose and ladders, all within a disciplined environment. Other essential elements of the course are punctuality, good attendance, general appearance and demeanour. The culmination of the five-day course is the Graduation and the presentation of the Certificates and portfolio of work, this will be carried out by Area Manager David Smith of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue. The students will demonstrate in front of invited relatives, friends and guests, the skills learned over the five-day Fire & Rescue experience. An application for funding from the “Cash back for communities fund” has been made to develop and deliver a “Firereach 2” course. The outcome of the funding application should be known very soon.
4. ‘Combating Arson’
New cross-curricular project to introduce students to dangers and consequences of arson attacks on schools through the medium of Drama and English. 5 schools are involved including Cumbernauld High, St Andrews (Coatbridge) and Airdrie Academy. This programme is almost complete but it is anticipated that further projects will take place.
5. ‘Seven Bars’
The Seven Bars project was established in January 2007 and its title is relatively self-explanatory - ‘Seven’ as in its 2007 formation and ‘Bars’ in relation to the musical term and its reference to alcohol through the Alcohol Misuse Group that the funding derived from. Seven Bars comprises of street work, ADAT referrals and local established musicians coming together to attend song writing workshops, with the recording of originally produced material carrying a ‘responsible drinking’ message. Local partners include - Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Strathclyde Police, ADAT (& selected partner agencies), NHS and a mixture of local and established musicians. Youngsters from across North Lanarkshire are involved.
6. “Stop and Talk’’
Stop and talk is an initiative intended to make the Fire Service more accessible to the general public by proactively going into communities and engaging directly with people.
Community Fire-fighters and Operational Crews undertake many initiatives in order to educate the public on fire safety. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the losses due to fires particularly injuries and deaths. Traditionally contact is made through leaflet drops and attending fetes, gala days, schools etc mostly by invitation. Despite our best efforts some members of the public remain reluctant to approach Strathclyde Fire & Rescue. There may be many reasons for this such as the perception that fires only happen to other people or that they don’t want to bother us as we are to busy. Whilst many of the campaigns previously run have had very good success it is perhaps time for a fresh approach on how we engage with and make ourselves available to the public.
The approach proposed for Stop and Talk is more dynamic than traditional methods and is aimed at taking the Fire Service into communities and engaging with the public, local businesses, schools, clubs etc. Information given to the public shall remain consistent with that currently imparted. The main difference is that Fire-fighters will be based for a determined period of time within specific communities and proactively seek opportunities to engage with the public and address any fire related problems in the area.